The Serb asked Jose Mourinho to replace him early in the second half, with Ander Herrera coming off the bench, and his Portuguese manager confirmed he is concerned about the 29-year-old with such big fixtures on the horizon.

United travel to the Emirates on Saturday afternoon before taking on Manchester City the following weekend in the Premier League, with a Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow sandwiched in between.

But it seems that the former Chelsea man could miss a vital part of the season.

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‘We lost stability when Nemanja Matic had to come out but the important thing is the three points,’ he said after the match. ‘I saw happiness from the team and played with a free mind.

‘Last season I learned what Ashley Young can be, he gives stability in his performances and this season he is playing more regularly. He has the spirit and experience we need, today he also had the talent to score two beautiful goals.

Mourinho is concerned about Matic (Picture: Reuters)

‘For Matic to tell me he wants to be replaced, he does not do that if it is nothing important. It is muscular.’

Goals from Young, Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard secured the three points for United on the night, but an injury to Matic would be a major negative from a good night’s work otherwise for the Red Devils.

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